Grain Storage Space A Problem In Parts Of SD

Rail congestion and large crops are leading to worries about grain storage space as South Dakota's harvest gets underway.

Rail cars are in short supply in the northern Plains, with many officials and farmers blaming increased crude oil and freight shipments from North Dakota's booming oil patch.

That means the bins at many grain elevators are full, and they don't have the space to hold this year's large crop. Jeremy Frost with CHS Midwest Cooperative in Pierre said some wheat yields this year are double the average.

One thing in elevators' favor is that low market prices mean many farmers aren't anxious to sell. Some like Phillip Shanley, of Warner, plan to store grain in large bags in the field until they're ready to sell.